> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vaudiolink.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Join a Music Collab session

> Connect with a guest key, send your vocal, receive the backing track, and verify synchronization.

The guest joins without an account. The host controls room creation and the shared backing timeline.

<Steps titleSize="h2">
  <Step title="Prepare your vocal source">
    Add your microphone to OBS, apply any intended filters, and verify its meter. Connect headphones before joining.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Music Collab">
    Open the Music Collab or vAudioLink Karaoke dock from **Docks**.

    Select **Paste guest key**.

    <Frame caption="Paste the complete key into the Music Collab guest form.">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/v-audiolink/S72bY1qPEoK5CCTL/images/screenshots/music/join-with-key.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=S72bY1qPEoK5CCTL&q=85&s=fef5d800c78c0ec0d5f2d4162e79763f" alt="Music Collab Connect with a guest key form" width="1107" height="330" data-path="images/screenshots/music/join-with-key.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste the guest key">
    Under **Connect with a guest key**, paste the complete key from the host and select **Connect**.

    **Expected result:** the page changes to **Partner Music Collab** and shows the room as joined.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm your vocal source">
    Select the microphone source you intend to send. Speak and verify the local vocal meter changes.

    Tell the host when your dock shows connected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for the backing track">
    When the host loads a track, keep the room connected. Your dock may show receiving, preparing, or waiting while the file becomes ready.

    **Expected result:** the dock reports that the backing is ready and waits for the host to start.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test the scheduled start">
    The host selects **Start song**. Do not start a separate local copy of the track.

    Sing a short test phrase and ask the host to check the combined output recording.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Guest rules that preserve sync

* Stay connected while the backing track transfers.
* Do not independently play the same song in another media player.
* Do not add a second backing source to your program mix.
* Let the host start, stop, and restart the shared timeline.
* Keep your vocal sample rate and OBS configuration stable during the session.

<Note>
  The goal is alignment to one backing timeline, not zero conversational latency between singers. Use a separate talkback channel carefully if you need conversation between takes.
</Note>

## Leave the session

Select **Leave session**. If reconnecting with the same key fails, ask the host to copy the current key or rotate it.